Food and Health Help Services

Diet or Drugs for Potassium Control?

Inspired by a readers comments, I have supplied dietary potassium information for many years:

“I am on a modified kidney diet and I have to limit my potassium. I am looking for any info on all foods that I eat. I was looking for potassium levels for all foods, not just the high levels, so I am looking everywhere. There is not enough potassium information out there to be accessed, so anywhere I can get it will be a help.”

For people with kidney disease or other reasons to restrict potassium, these charts help you avoid foods high in potassium, and opt for lower potassium alternatives.

However, if your condition is severe, potassium control through diet might not be sufficient. There is a condition called hyperkalemia, where potassium in the blood rises above 5.5mmol/L. If this cannot be controlled by diet, there are 2 new drugs in development.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9) and patiromer have both been tested recently and shown to significantly reduce excess potassium in the blood.

About Foodary Healthy Eating

Information on Foodary is provided by Keith Taylor, an amateur nutritionist, to help you understand food and dietary issues. Nutrition information is provided by a layman, with no formal training or qualifications. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem or disease. The information is given to help you understand your doctor's advice and know what questions to ask. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have an actual or suspected health problem, you should consult your doctor.